Programme Specialist for the Disasters and Conflicts Branch to the LACO

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The objective of the assignment consists in assisting the UNEP Disasters and Conflicts Branch (DCB) with providing support to the Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) to meet their needs and objectives associated with the specific expertise of the Branch. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch, formerly Crisis Management Branch, is the UNEP office in charge with mitigating the environmental causes and consequences of crises. The DCB team is split between Nairobi and Geneva offices. It is structured around three units respectively in charge of (i) Response and Recovery; (ii) Disasters Risk Reduction and (iii) Environmental Security.

The UN Environment Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

This assignment is located at the converging of three reforms, namely: - The UN reform, which has led to reinforcing the role of national Resident Coordinator Offices and strengthened the role of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as an effective entry door for the joint programming and delivery of UN agencies support at country level. - The UNEP reform, which has led to establishing a clear line of sight and accountability with clarified roles and responsibilities between technical divisions and branches in charge of technical delivery, and regional offices empowered with effective coordination and strategic engagement based on enhanced intelligence and partnerships at regional, sub-regional and country levels. - The specific reorganization of the Disasters and Conflicts Branch, which is now located under the Ecosystems Divisions and provides a unique type of service and expertise to the organization that needs to be mainstreamed across the new architecture constituted by the Medium-Term Strategy, the Programme of Work, the programming structure and the new policy on model of operation.

Before the UNEP reform, the DCB had a coordination position supported by core funding and located at LACO in Panama. This position proved to deliver important services to the Branch and the regional office. The present assignment aims at supporting DCB and LACO with reviewing their respective needs and opportunities for collaboration, and designing a new model of collaboration.

DCB recognizes some specifics about LACO situation and aspirations, and offers to support on some LACO key directions including: - Leave no one behind – need to strengthen coverage of countries and situations as well as target the underserved and vulnerable subregions and populations. - Enhance engagement to support UNCT strategic planning and UNSDCF coordinated implementation. - Strengthen coordination, monitoring and strategic alignment of UNEP work at regional, sub-regional and country level. - Enhance political intelligence and policy support to the region, sub-region and countries. - Continue support to the Forum of Ministers of Environment and the Regional Group on Risks Emergencies and Disasters.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the DCB Focal Point to LACO or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer to the Programming of the Disasters and Conflicts Branch Engagement to the Latin America and the Caribbean Office will work on three main areas:

1. Support strategic discussions at regional, sub-regional and country levels on stakes and needs, and key services and value proposal expected from the Branch

- Contribute to political intelligence at regional level on the interface between environmental and climate risks, nature-based solutions to resilience and disasters risk reduction, and emerging political and strategic dynamics, collaborations and agendas. It can include themes like: o The exposure and vulnerability for the Caribbean countries, and cross-feeding and relevance to global agendas related to SIDS, climate loss and damage facility… o Climate security, human mobility and human rights, with a specific sub-regional focus for instance in Mesoamerica, in collaboration with the Climate Security Mechanism. o Environmental governance and management in conflict affected areas, including internal UNEP practice of project development and support in high insecurity contexts. - Mainstreaming of environmental dimensions of emergencies and crises into UN cooperation frameworks, notably the country context analysis and joint programming. - Facilitate the integration of environmental analysis into humanitarian response plans, appeals and advocacy. - Review the potential DCB relevance and contribution to strategic regional agendas, including inter-agency integrated regional or global programming like the transformation of food systems, the marine and ocean protection, the waste management agenda, One Health etc.

2. Support the implementation of the ongoing agenda, particularly as part of the regional Forum of Ministers of the Environment

- Carry out activities as part of the Regional Environment and Emergency Preparedness Network for Latin America and the Caribbean: o Facilitate the meetings of the Network and maintain constant communication with the network members. o Ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of the network’s workplan. o Organize and develop capacity building events for the network members and other stakeholders in the region. o Facilitate necessary processes to ensure the functioning of the network (e.g. updates to its ToR or Rules of Operation). o Implement, monitor and report on Decision Six of the Forum of Ministers of Environment. o Where necessary, coordinate the development of any future decision of the Forum of Ministers related to the environmental dimensions of emergencies. o Coordinate support to network members to strengthen their preparedness and capacity to address the environmental dimensions of emergencies and crises. o Promote the network and seek to expand its membership to inspire appropriate focal points to join from unrepresented countries and agencies, in coordination with network members and the network steering committee. o Coordinate with other UNEP-facilitated intergovernmental networks to share best practices and lessons learned. - Mainstream environment into targeted humanitarian action in the region: o Participate in the REDLAC, the Regional Group on Risk, Emergencies and Disasters, the UN regional coordination platform for preparedness and response to disasters. o Support a comprehensive environmental mainstreaming into the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RMRP) for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela. o Promote the uptake and enhancement of the Virtual Environmental and Humanitarian Adviser (VEHA) tool (creation of content for more humanitarian sectors, translation to Spanish and French of the existing content). o Ensure the liaison with the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environmental Unit (JEU) to facilitate and accompany environmental response to disasters and emergencies when required. o Ensure extensive public communication of UN Environment’s work to address the work related to environment in humanitarian action through updates to websites and/or social media.

3. Support the formulation of an engagement plan for the Branch to support LACO.

- Build on the work on strategic and political analysis and intelligence to formulate key areas and objectives for collaboration between DCB and LACO, including as part of the broader UNEP global MTS/POW and programming structure and agendas. - Review and develop the existing pipeline at regional and sub-regional level with potential leadership or contribution from the DCB, in close collaboration with Heads of sub-regional offices and countries as well as sub-programme coordinators and other Branches and Divisions as relevant. - Consult and provide recommendations on the design of DCB and LACO collaboration, including coordination and delivery mechanism for support, organization and arrangements, roles and responsibilities, and financing arrangements.

The tasks of the UNV will include, among others: - A desk review of relevant background documentation. - Discussions and consultations with UNEP experts in the DCB and LACO, as well as other UNEP Branches and Offices as relevant. - Collaboration with government officials, particularly as part of the implementation of the action plan and secretariat services to the Forum of Ministers of Environment work on disasters risk reduction, and as part of targeted engagement with countries facing disaster and conflict situation. - Collaboration with UN Resident Coordination Offices and UN Country Teams members in various key countries, notably as part of the needs, gaps and opportunities assessment and pipeline development. - And any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• As an active UNEP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including assistance with the delivery of three main outputs: o The historical collaboration between the DCB and LACO is reviewed, lessons are formulated, present needs, opportunities and gaps are identified, DCM services and value proposal are clarified, and a strategic and thematic framework for DCB and LACO collaboration is formulated. i. Deliverable: Analytical report on opportunities and options for DCB and LACO collaboration. o The activities related to disasters and conflicts at the regional level are implemented. i. Deliverable: Monthly activity reports and final consolidated report including summary of activities and results, as well as reflexion on lessons learnt, key factors of success, emerging needs and evolution of the region and countries needs and requests. o The programme of collaboration between DCB and LACO is formulated, including partnerships and pipeline development, as well as organisational, administrative and financial arrangements. i. Deliverable: DCB and LACO joint engagement plan. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

project design, management, implementation or evaluation in the field of environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation, resilience, disasters risk reduction, ecosystems and natural resources management, nature-based solutions, pollution control, rural development and local governance or other related fields as relevant to the assignment. • Solid exposure to various international, development and cultural contexts • Demonstrated track record in environmental and social analysis, and developing quality products for an international audience. • Advanced knowledge and experience on environment in humanitarian and emergency action, or a combined exposure and focus on both the environment and humanitarian, peace and security dimensions. • Experience working with the UN system, government or public administration structures, particularly in developing countries would be an asset. • Ability to provide quality policy advice services on environmental and security issues. • First experience and practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues. • Skill in facilitating meetings effectively and efficiently, conducting consultations including through virtual communication means. • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Panama provides good living conditions, include excellent access for air travel, fair security situation, tropical climate, average cost of living, many accommodation options, secured access food, water, electricity, medical facilities, banking facilities and communications infrastructure.

Panama is a unique country and the Latin America and the Caribbean is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.